When planning to grow a luxurious garden, gardeners are advised to pay attention to the Orlinka apple tree, which can boast many advantages. Before going to a trusted nursery to buy a seedling, it is better to study all the characteristics of the tree.
- Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
- The history of breeding the Orlinka apple tree
- External data
- Tree height and crown width
- Root system
- Productivity and taste of fruits
- Characteristic
- Frost resistance
- Pollination
- Ripening and harvest period
- Transportability and storage
- Immunity to diseases
- Apple tree planting rules
- Optimal timing
- Choosing the best place
- Preparation of seedlings and planting technology
- Seasonal care
- Fertilizing and loosening the soil
- Regularity of watering
- Pruning and shaping an apple tree
- Preventative treatment
- Cold protection
- Hybrid subspecies
- On a semi-dwarf rootstock
- On a dwarf rootstock
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Orlinka has many attractive features that will certainly attract the attention of gardeners. Among the advantages are noted:
- leadership among frost-resistant varieties;
- undemanding;
- marketability and taste qualities of fruits;
- precociousness;
- productivity.
Of the shortcomings, only one is noted - extended fruiting periods.
The history of breeding the Orlinka apple tree
The variety was bred in Orel by the All-Russian Research Institute in 1978. First Salute and Stark Erliost were used for crossing. Over the course of several decades, the variety has spread throughout Russia.
External data
It is recommended to study the description of the tree in advance. This will allow you to easily determine Orlinka’s place in the garden and avoid mistakes in planting.
Tree height and crown width
The height of the Orlinka apple tree is up to 6 m. The crown is spherical, often reaching 5-7 m in diameter.
Root system
The horse system has many branches and grows quickly. The length of some processes is up to 7 m.
Productivity and taste of fruits
Fruits weighing up to 200 g. The taste is pleasant, sweet, and has a slight sourness. A young apple tree produces up to 30 kg of fruit, an adult Orlinka - up to 100 kg of apples.
Characteristic
Familiarity with the main characteristics of Orlinka will allow you to compare the tree with other fruit crops and evaluate a number of advantages.
Frost resistance
It is not recommended for cultivation in Siberian regions - Orlinka feels most comfortable in the middle zones. The tree is afraid of frost, so it’s better not to take risks.
Pollination
Be sure to plant pollinators next to Orlinka. Recommended varieties: Moscow Grushovka, Papirovka.Malibu is less commonly used for joint planting.
Ripening and harvest period
The plant begins to bear fruit in the fifth year after planting. Apples ripen in early August. Ripening does not occur simultaneously - it is recommended to harvest at intervals of 4-7 days.
Transportability and storage
The storage time is considered a disadvantage - only 20-25 days. It is better not to store the fruits; use them immediately for fresh consumption or canning.
It is not advisable to transport Orlinka apples - they spoil quickly.
Immunity to diseases
Orlinka's immune system is quite resistant, but it is better not to risk the plant and carry out preventive irrigation. The apple tree rarely gets sick; this happens only during the rainy seasons. Timely irrigation with chemicals, removal and immediate burning of fallen leaves, and careful inspection of the apple tree will help protect the tree.
Apple tree planting rules
There are several planting requirements that are recommended to be studied and put into practice. Be sure to adhere to the basic rules, this will allow the tree to quickly take root and begin to grow.
Optimal timing
It is better to go to the garden in the fall, at the end of September. If it was not possible to plant before frost, it is better to postpone the process to spring, sending the seedlings to a cool cellar. You should not be late after the snow melts; you need to have time before the sap begins to move.
Choosing the best place
The eagle is afraid of drafts, gusts of wind can damage the tree, so it is better to place the apple tree in a cozy corner. It is not necessary to place the plant in the garden; it will do just as well near yard buildings. Be sure to make sure that the apple tree receives enough sunlight.
It is better not to plant large fruit crops near Orlinka, which will create partial shade.Lack of sun will affect the fruiting and size of apples.
Preparation of seedlings and planting technology
Before sending the seedling into the prepared hole, soak it in a clay mash. Up to five handfuls of clay per bucket of water. Prepare a light soil mixture for planting. Mix compost, river sand, humus. Be sure to add garden soil.
Place the plant in a prepared hole with a diameter of up to 70 cm and sprinkle with soil. Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch. If you couldn’t find a cozy place for the seedling in the garden, you should put a support and tie up the tree.
Seasonal care
Orlinka is undemanding, which allows seasonal care to be reduced to a minimum. The apple tree will need regular watering, loosening, and fertilizing.
We should not forget about pruning, crown formation, pest control, and infectious diseases.
Fertilizing and loosening the soil
For fertilizing, complex compounds or organic matter are used. A solution of mullein is prepared as an organic fertilizer (a liter of infusion per bucket of water). Before adding nutrients, be sure to loosen the soil and remove weeds.
If there is no time to fertilize, it is recommended to use rotted manure or high-quality compost. Apply a layer of mulch in the fall to protect the roots from freezing. With melt water in the spring, all nutrients will penetrate deep into the soil, replacing the use of purchased fertilizers.
Regularity of watering
Watering is carried out as needed. If the spring is dry, start irrigating the soil during the flowering period. An adult Orlinka will need up to two buckets of water.
Pruning and shaping an apple tree
The first pruning is carried out at the age of one year.The trunk of the apple tree is shortened - the cut should be at a height of 60 cm from the ground surface.
Pruning should be done annually. Remove shoots that are too long, forming a compact crown.
Preventative treatment
Carry out preventive irrigation of Orlinka every spring. Copper-based chemicals for infectious diseases are usually used. Use folk remedies or chemicals against pests. The main rule is not to carry out processing during the period of fruit ripening. The last use of chemicals or folk remedies should be carried out a month before picking apples.
Cold protection
The tendency to freeze is the main reason to insulate Orlinka before the winter cold. Wrap the trunk in burlap and lay a layer of mulch. After snow falls, carry out hilling; the snowdrift will reliably protect the apple tree from unfavorable conditions.
Hybrid subspecies
The Orlinka hybrid has several subspecies, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is better to study them in advance.
On a semi-dwarf rootstock
An adult tree reaches a height of 4 m. You will be able to taste the first fruits in just 4 years.
On a dwarf rootstock
Even with good care, an adult Orlinka barely reaches three meters in height. Fruiting begins early - just 3 years after planting. The tree retains all its maternal qualities.
Growing an Orlinka apple tree will bring a lot of positive emotions to both beginners and experienced gardeners. Regardless of the efforts made, which can be minimized, the tree will certainly delight you with juicy, aromatic fruits.
